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While not established in the 18th century, serfdom was still rampant in Eastern Europe. Specifically in Russia, while Catherine the Great was in support of Enlightenment ideals that spread the natural rights of all men, she still strongly believed in the system. During the 18th century, serfdom was beginning to decrease in the West but grew even stronger and more oppressive in the East. -
This law made authors copyright holders of their work, instead of the publisher. Authors were allowed to print their work for 14 years and renew for another 14 years, and keep going. This law encouraged other authors to create new and original works. It also paved the way for other copyright laws, specifically in the United States. -
This economic system greatly increased since the middle of the 18th century. This was due to an increase in trade with countries across the ocean, the Americas. New technologies and agricultural improvements also led to the rise in capitalism. More food meant a population growth and therefore more people working in factory jobs, producing goods. -
Began around the middle of the 18th century in England and the Netherlands. This revolution included great improvements in agricultural production such as, crop rotation, selective breeding, and the enclosure movement. This growth in agricultural production led to an increase in the overall European population. -
Europe transformed from a continent of agriculture to more industrial production. This led to the growth of cities and urban centers and the creation of new industries such as railroads and factory jobs. Since goods were produced faster, they became cheaper for people to purchase. Began in Great Britain but eventually spread to the rest of Europe. -
These Acts limited trade from the American colonies, establishing that all trade from those colonies must pass through England. They also demanded that the colonies only use English ships and preserve certain goods such as tobacco and sugar, only for England. Tensions arose and other Acts like this ultimately led to the American Revolution. -
These acts turned public land into private, making formally communal land more personal. This allowed for more agricultural production, increasing the economy. While this did boost the economy, there was also great inequality for the poor as land was often given to the wealthy first. -
The Poor Laws were a collection of legislation that worked towards relief through parishes. However it also destinguished bewteen the "undeserving" and the "deserving" people in poverty. Gilbert's Act specifically called upon parishes to form unions which would create homes for those who were sick or elderly. It also provided relief for the more able-bodied, such as finding them jobs. -
A group that focused on abolishing slavery in England. These abolitionists argued that the act of slavery completely went against Enlightenment ideals. Religious groups such as the Quakers and other Evangelicals agreed with Enlightenment thinkers. Britian passes the Slave Trade Act in 1808, outlawing the trade of people within the British Empire. -
While this is a revolution, it very much deals society and the economy. The revolution began in 1789 and lasted all the way until 1799. It had the goal to change the way that rulers went about governing and the overall inequality of social classes. Ideas from the Enlightenment encouraged the people of France to fight back against their government and create their own.